Author(s): Y. Zhu; J. R. Rennie; C. M. Beardshaw; F. Donohue
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Keywords: Fishway design; Hydraulics; Modelling
Abstract: Fishways facilitate movement of fish past in-stream structures. A fishway creates hydraulic conditions that enable the movement of native fish otherwise limited in passing high velocity water or excessive turbulence. The design and construction cost of fishways has limited widespread uptake. Our team optimised hydraulic design and construction of the vertical-slot fishway. We removed the uncertainties in design hydraulic conditions through the utilization of hydrodynamic models. Using DHI MIKE 21, flow conditions in fishways were examined in detail. Design refinements enabled the optimisation of hydraulic conditions meeting criteria set by fish biologists. Modelling processes enhanced the understanding of vertical-slot fishway hydraulics, optimising design. Our design approach has been to reduce construction cost. Our resultant civil designs are modular, employing box culverts and pre-cast slot units, potentially halving the cost of a fishway. Our design process provides confidence that fish are able to pass a structure whilst reducing costs associated with construction.
Year: 2011